Martin Reader announces his retirement

TORONTO (January 23, 2013) - After seven years as a member of Volleyball Canada’s national beach volleyball team program, Olympian Martin Reader of Comox, B.C. , is announcing his retirement today from competition to pursue other post-Olympic opportunities.

Reader competed at the 2012 London Olympic Games with partner Josh Binstock of Toronto where the pair made an impressive showing reaching the round of 16. A national team member since 2006, he was inspired by fellow Canadians and 1996 Olympic bronze medalists Mark Heese and John Child, to achieve his dream of representing Canada at the Olympic Games.

“It has been an honor to represent Canada on an international competitive level,” said Reader. “ I have learned so many valuable lessons through my experience with Volleyball Canada and I am eager to share them with the community. Supporting beach and building awareness for the sport will continue to be a focus for me and I can't wait to cheer from the sidelines as our talented young athletes push for gold in the Toronto 2015 PanAm Games and 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.”

With a clear vision and driven by his passion for the sport and support from Team Canada, Martin climbed the youth ranks on Vancouver Island, BC and eventually the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Circuit. Since turning pro, Martin has competed on the FIVB World Tour with a variety of partners including Brian Heibert, Jessi Lelliott, Ray Sewell, Ahren Cadieux, Ben Saxton, Chaim Schalk and then ultimately with Josh Binstock his partner at the 2012 Olympic Games.

“I am sure that the entire volleyball community in Canada wishes Martin well in his future pursuits,” said Volleyball Canada president Hugh Wong. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of Volleyball Canada, I would like to thank Martin for the dedicated service he has provided to the national beach volleyball team. We hope that he will continue to take an active role in Canadian volleyball.”

One of the many places that Reader can now be found is at the 5 star hotel Shangri-La as the signature trainer of his elite business “Strive Conditioning” (www.martinreader.ca.) In addition, he is now proudly acting as the Eastern Canadian ambassador for the 60 minute Kids Club Charity www.60minutekidsclub.com. Both initiatives will play a key role in helping Martin share his knowledge, abilities and experiences gained through his years as a National Team athlete and Olympian.

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ABOUT STRIVE CONDITIONING
Strive Conditioning and Nutrition is a Wellness consulting business operating out of the 5-Star Shangri-La Hotel downtown Toronto. His methods will focus on rebuilding degraded posture, enhancing core strength and improving lean body mass for overall life performance. For tips on fitness, nutrition, fat loss, muscle tone, athletic preparation and more visit www.facebook.com/striveconditioning

ABOUT 60 MIN KIDS CLUBTis program engages kids through an online, interactive medium with goal setting, accountability and fun incentives. The 60 Minute Kids' Club is a conduit for healthy lifestyle habits and serves as a stage for sharing success stories and promoting healthy role models. www.60minutekidsclub.com

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